A second attempt at winning the Southern Heritage Classic awaits the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff this fall in what will be its only trip out of state during nonconference play.
UAPB will face Tennessee State for the second straight season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. The game will kickoff at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14 and will be UAPB’s third game of the year.
Tennessee State defeated UAPB 24-14 last year and went on to have a somewhat successful season. The Tigers’ win over the Golden Lions started a stretch of six wins in seven games, though they lost their final three games to finish 6-5 with a 2-4 conference record in the Big SouthOhio Valley Conference Football Association.
TSU was largely carried by its defense last season, which ranked third of 10 teams in the conference and held opponents to 24.7 points per game. After losing the season opener 56-3 at Notre Dame, TSU did not allow more than 25 points in any of its next seven games. However, the Tigers allowed 30 or more in each game of the season-ending losing streak.
The Tigers’ offense ranked sixth in the league, scoring 22.7 points per game. TSU’s offense scored 17 against UAPB, with the final touchdown coming on a blocked field goal return.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
TSU brings back many of its key offensive players, but the defense which carried the team will need to be reworked.
The Tigers’ top five tacklers are gone, as well as the top six from the game against UAPB. Linebacker Monroe Beard III led the team with 95 tackles, but perhaps the Tigers’ best defender was defensive lineman Terrell Allen. Allen collected 14.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. TSU must replace both.
Linebacker Ahmad Nelson is
the leading returning tackler. Nelson had 35 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. Defensive lineman Eriq George, the son of head coach Eddie George, returns with his six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Defensive back Tyler Jones is the only returning player with an interception.
The Tigers brought in several transfers to fill the gaps, including Georgia Southern graduate transfer defensive lineman Kierron Smith, Southeast Missouri State graduate transfer defensive lineman Keandre Booker, and Lehigh transfer defensive back Spencer Roof.
But for all the changes coming to the TSU defense, the Tigers have plenty of returning production on offense.
TSU used two quarterbacks last season, and both played against UAPB. Deveon Bryant, who played most of last year’s Classic, is gone, but Draylen Ellis returns. Ellis completed 52.5 percent of his passes last season for six touchdowns and five interceptions.
The Tigers’ top four receivers return, led by Da’Shon Davis’ 379 yards and two touchdowns. Dayron Johnson followed with 349 yards and a score.
At running back, TSU brings back last year’s leading rusher, Jordan Gant. He finished with 553 yards and 10 touchdowns. With Ellis scoring five rushing touchdowns, TSU brings back the bulk of its 21 rushing scores from last season.
TSU must replace several offensive linemen. The Tigers brought in four transfers who saw limited playing time at their previous schools.
This year’s Southern Heritage Classic will be the 35th anniversary of the game. TSU has played in every edition, while this will be UAPB’s second year replacing Jackson State, which pulled out of the game after 2022.
Earlier this year, the Classic signed an agreement to remain in Memphis through 2032, though opponents past this year have not yet been announced. UAPB’s agreement to play was a two-year deal ending this season, which was the final season of the Classic’s previous lease.